group dynamics “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world....
TRANSCRIPT
Group Dynamics
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing
that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
Group Dynamics
The social process by which people interact in a group environment
The influences of personality, power and behavior on the group process
Types of Groups
Formal - structured to perform specific tasks.
Informal - emerge naturally in response to organizational or
member interests.
Group Size
★to express individual viewpoints;
★to develop social relationships;
★to ensure everyone participates;
★for individual recognition.
Issues to be considered include opportunities:
Group DevelopmentForming - orientation, guidance
(dependence)
Storming - conflict, roles and responsibilities, rules and
procedures, individual recognition (counterdependence)
Group Development (contd)Norming - issue resolution,
develop social agreements, cohesion, establish group norms
(interdependence)
Performing - mutual assistance, creativity, understanding goals and
roles (independence)
Adjourning - closure, symbolism, ceremonies, and emotional support.
Group Functions
★Task behaviors;
★Maintenance behaviors;
★Self-interest behaviors.
Task Behaviors
★initiating;
★information seeking/giving;
★clarifying ideas;
★brining closure;
★consensus testing.
Maintenance Behaviors
★encouraging;
★improving group atmosphere;
★harmonizing;
★compromising;
★gate-keeping.
Self-interest Behaviors
★dominating/controlling;
★blocking;
★manipulating;
★belittling;
★splitting hairs.
Group Norms★social standards and acceptable
behaviors;
★collectively held expectations of group functioning;
★provide regularity and predictability to group functioning.
Types of Norms
★conduct;
★work performance/attendance;
★rearranging personal space;
★assisting co-workers;
★loyalty;
★dress codes;
★rewards.
Standards related to:
Roles
Assigned roles - chair, secretary, manager, treasurer, etc;
Emergent roles - confidant, group clown, gossip, mentor, etc;
Factors That Impact Effectiveness
Role Ambiguity - worker is unclear of job definition;
Role Conflict - worker experiences job overlap.
Status
Symbolic - office, administrative support, perks;
Impact - authority, hierarchy, decision-making, rewards.
Affected by the ability of the group to:
Group Cohesion
Work as a unit, share tasks, recognize member contributions;
-VS-
Conflict, role ambiguity, lack of motivation;
-Attracts-
High performers, opportunists, achievers;
-Affected by-
Group size, cliques, acts of protest, self-interest behavior
Support
★training;
★reward system;
★empowerment/self-management;
★organizational representativeness/diversity.
Individual BehaviorPassive -easily “pushed around”,
compliant, submissive, non-resistant.
Aggressive - pushy, hostile, forceful, creates conflict, shows
disregard for others.
Assertive - self-assured, confident, positive, protects own
rights, respects others.
Effective Teams
★high skills, high motivation;
★have a clear picture of group goals;
★high performance;
★success attracts others;
★opportunity for individual recognition;
★recognition of professionalism.
Are a result of: